Advocate Missing at Children's Remembrance

Published September 14th, 2009

A voice was silent today as Florida paid tribute to the state's missing
children and their families. In 2005, 9-year-old Jimmy Ryce was
kidnapped and murdered. Claudine believed her son, Jimmy, would have survived had there been a bloodhound to track his abductor. Claudine died this past year, but her efforts are being remembered as part of the Missing Children’s Event at the state capitol.

Jimmy Ryce's killer was found a little over a mile from the bus stop
where Jimmy was kidnapped.

Claudine worked tirelessly to prevent tragedy like hers from falling on other families. Claudine died in January, but her presence was felt during the ceremony.

In 1995, few police agencies had blood hounds, so Claudine Ryce worked
passionately to put dogs in the hands of every law enforcement agency.

Claudine Ryce's picture hung next to her son's memorialized in time.
Although she died in January, the work Claudine did for her son's kidnapping and murder lives on.

At this year's Missing Children's Day event, dozens of dogs were honored
for their lifesaving work.

Governor Charlie Crist also spoke fondly of the many changes Claudine
helped institute. Hundreds of bloodhounds are stationed around Florida as a result of Claudine Ryce.

So when it came time for family members to place a rose next to their
missing loved one, there was also a rose for Claudine.